A CHARITY in Rhyl dedicated to supporting homeless and vulnerable mothers has opened its second hub within the town’s White Rose Centre.

Blossom & Bloom opened its “development hub” on April 8, some 12 months on from when its first “wellbeing hub” was opened at the centre.

The development hub now offers a separate learning and development space, away from the hustle and bustle of the original hub which continues to provide a popular drop-in cafe, swap-shop and play area for mums, dads and babies.

Funds for the new hub were secured from Conwy and Denbighshire Shared Prosperity Fund, Gwynt Y Mor Windfarm and many sponsors, including The Rotary Club of Rhyl, Inner Wheel, Torello Lounge and Starbucks Rhuddlan.

More than 70 guests attended its opening ceremony - it is based at unit 11 of the White Rose Centre, formerly occupied by Topshop.

Rhyl Journal: Blossom & Bloom owner Vicky Welsman-Millard congratulated by Tony Thomas, president of the Rotary Club of RhylBlossom & Bloom owner Vicky Welsman-Millard congratulated by Tony Thomas, president of the Rotary Club of Rhyl (Image: Alan Duke)

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Vicky Welsman-Millard, who founded the charity in 2020, said: "It was so nice to celebrate with some of our amazing mums and babies, our team of staff, volunteers and trustees, partner agencies, and some of our fundraisers, too.

“We are overwhelmed by the number of people who came to show their support. Thank you for supporting our vision and celebrating with us.”

Sue Nash, manager of the White Rose Centre, said: "It was a privilege to be asked to officially open the new ‘development hub'.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to watch Blossom & Bloom go from strength to strength and we are lucky to have such an organisation at the White Rose Centre."

Rhyl Journal: Some of the babies with staff at the hub on its opening daySome of the babies with staff at the hub on its opening day (Image: Alan Duke)

Vicky and her team have provided support to more than 200 families since its first hub opened, and some of the learning and development opportunities are now being expanded to include dads and the wider family, too.

Future plans also include being able to offer enterprise opportunities in retail and beauty to mums wishing to take advantage of future entrepreneurship/self-employment opportunities.

Vicky added: "Mums, dads, guardians - please don't forget to pop into either hub to find out more about our courses - or just to say hello and join our Blossom & Bloom community -  you will be assured of a warm welcome."

Rhyl Journal: Vicky and mum Megan cutting the cake on opening dayVicky and mum Megan cutting the cake on opening day (Image: Alan Duke)

Mum Sarah, who has used Blossom & Bloom’s services since her baby boy was just seven weeks old, said: "I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the support and opportunities that Blossom & Bloom have provided for me and my little boy.

“The courses at the new development hub have been a lifeline for us, offering valuable resources and knowledge that have helped me grow as a parent and allowed my baby boy to thrive.

“Each session, whether it be ‘best foot forward in parenting’, ‘baby bloomers’, or ‘girls can do it’, has been a safe and nurturing environment where we can learn and grow together.

“The new development hub has truly been a blessing for our family, providing us with the perfect setting for growth and development.”